Taking Money
Ms. White is a brand new teacher who is teaching first grade this year. At her Open House, a parent gave her a $100 bill and he said it can be used for anything she needs. Is it wrong for her to accept the money? Should she report it to administration or ask their opinion?

Ms. White should thank the parent for their help, but tell them that you are cannot accept the money. She should tell them instead about the ways they can help in the classroom, such as chaperoning on a field trip.

Yes, it is wrong for Ms. White to accept the money. It is a violation of the code of ethics. I think the situation should be handled before it reaches administration. Many parents are not aware of the code of ethics, and it might be beneficial to enlighten this parent about the code that we, as teachers, are obligated to.

I would thank the parent for the support but explain that I can not accept money. At my open house, I have a list of school supplies that we ask parents to donate to the classroom. I would inform the parent that the correct ways he can help is by donating supplies to the class, volunteering for the grade level, signing up to a mentor to a student, or attending field trip. As a precaution, I would like my administration know about the situation just in case something ever did come into question.